Worthington man denied bail reduction in drug break-in

August 14, 2017Digital Media Exclusive

An Armstrong County man, claiming innocence in a suspected home invasion in which he was charged, remains in Butler County Prison after his bail-reduction attempt was denied in Butler County Court on Monday.

Michael L. Bure, 36, of Worthington, continues to be held on $100,000, following the denial of the reduction by county Judge Timothy McCune.

Bure was charged with felony burglary, robbery, theft and related counts alongside Patrick C. Bookwalter, 35, of Brady Township, Clarion County; and Joseph R. Painter, 34, of Kittanning, after allegedly breaking into the home of Savannah M. Blust, 24, and her boyfriend, Macklin C. Haye, 24, in the 300 block of Petrolia Road on June 8.

Bure testified, saying he wasn't part of the crime, and wanted out of the county facility to continue fighting a custody battle he is currently involved in.

Pennsylvania State Police said the three men targeted the couple for proceeds of their illegal drug business, selling marijuana and THC wax, which they were making in the house.

Bookwalter entered the home while Bure and Painter searched the garage, police said. That is when Bookwalter, armed with pepper spray and a handgun, encountered Haye sleeping on the couch in the living room, before shooting him with the pepper spray as the two men tussled, police said.

Blust, who was sleeping on the second floor, heard the fighting and came downstairs, before repeatedly stabbing Bookwalter in defense of her boyfriend, police said.

After the trio escaped, a medical helicopter flew Bookwalter to a Pittsburgh hospital, where he admitted his involvement to police.

While in the house as part of their initial investigation, police said, troopers noticed suspected marijuana, contraband and suspicious equipment.

Following a search warrant, two pounds of processed marijuana, $67,928 in currency, as well as psychedelic mushrooms and an assortment of drug contraband were found in the house, leading to felony charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, and misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia against Haye and Blust.